Recognition Received by Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Additional Managing Director, MPTB
Reinforcing its growing stature as a preferred global travel destination, Madhya Pradesh has been conferred the prestigious “Leading Tourism Destination” award at the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2026 in Jaipur. The recognition was presented during the second edition of the Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Rajasthan Tourism. The award was received on behalf of the state by Dr. Abhay Arvind Bedekar, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Dr. Ilayaraja T., IAS, Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said: “This recognition at GITB 2026 reaffirms Madhya Pradesh’s growing global appeal as a destination rooted in authenticity and experiential richness. Our focus has consistently been on offering meaningful travel experiences that combine heritage, nature, and living traditions. We will continue to strengthen our engagement with global stakeholders and position Madhya Pradesh as a key destination in international travel circuits.”
GITB 2026, currently underway from April 26 to 28 in Jaipur, has brought together leading international tour operators, travel trade stakeholders, and industry experts from across the world. On its second day, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board continues to mark a strong presence at the event through its dedicated pavilion, showcasing the state’s diverse tourism offerings from heritage and spirituality to wildlife and immersive cultural experiences.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to its participation, the Madhya Pradesh pavilion is also hosting live performances by the traditional Badhaai dance group, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the state’s rich intangible cultural heritage. The experience is further complemented with local savouries such as sev and gajak, along with refreshing aam pana, giving delegates a taste of Madhya Pradesh’s culinary traditions.
A Strong Showcase of Experiential Tourism
At GITB 2026, Madhya Pradesh is presenting a compelling narrative of its tourism landscape through curated experiences and thematic circuits. The pavilion highlights the state’s iconic destinations including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, renowned wildlife reserves, and spiritual centres, while also bringing focus to emerging segments such as rural tourism, wellness, and eco-tourism.
The presentation underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices, community participation, and enhanced visitor experiences, resonating strongly with international buyers and trade partners.
Expanding Global Partnerships Through Trade Engagement
The Madhya Pradesh delegation is engaging in a series of pre-scheduled B2B meetings with international tour operators and travel professionals, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and expanding inbound tourism opportunities. These interactions are facilitating knowledge exchange, itinerary development, and deeper integration of Madhya Pradesh into global travel offerings.
As Madhya Pradesh continues to build its identity as an experience-driven destination, recognitions at international platforms such as GITB underscore its commitment to excellence, sustainability, and cultural authenticity, positioning the state as the true Heart of India for global travellers.
